In 2023, AIHA launched a multi-year research study to identify current and future trends in the occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS) industry. Building upon the foundation of the 2019 environmental scan, this study explores new dimensions and challenges faced by OEHS professionals in a rapidly evolving landscape. The findings were analyzed and mapped against AIHA's current content priorities to develop a forward-thinking, actionable content strategy for the association. The entire process took 6 months, from August 2023 to February 2024.
Project Goals
AIHA's goals were straightforward
- Identify significant trends shaping the future of OEHS.
- Discover new challenges, opportunities, and focus areas for AIHA.
- Evaluate the relevance and effectiveness of AIHA's content priorities.
- Generate strategic insights to guide AIHA and support OEHS professionals.
AIHA's Content Portfolio Advisory Group (CPAG) reviewed the data provided by Foresight Alliance and recommended modifications to AIHA's existing four content priorities which were approved by AIHA's Board of Directors.
Big Data, A.I. & Sensor Technologies
Big Data, A.I. & Sensor Technologies focuses on helping OEHS professionals leverage cutting-edge technologies to collect and integrate data to inform risk assessment and management decisions and stay relevant in the face of transformative change.
Changing Work Dynamics
Changing Work Dynamics focuses on educating OEHS professionals on the implications of the changing work dynamics (i.e., worker, workplace, working relationships, new technologies or new work processes) and how the OEHS community can respond to protect human health in the workplace and community.
Enhancing OEHS Communication Skills
Enhancing OEHS Communication Skills focuses on developing the interpersonal skills of OEHS professionals to listen, relate, communicate, educate, and collaborate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders to enhance the influence and value of the OEHS profession in a dynamic social-technological landscape.
Total Worker Health®
Total Worker Health® focuses on ensuring OEHS professionals are positioned to be leaders and valued participants in preventing harm and protecting and promoting worker well-being (including mental health using tools such as Total Worker Health®, Exposomics, Total Exposure Health). They are recognized as the preeminent experts in anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control of exposures to environmental and physical agents and physical agents and psychological stressors in the workplace, home, and community.
Total Worker Health® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Participation by AIHA does not imply endorsement by HHS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.